Short Summary

The Irish Republican Army (IRA), which is thought responsible for a number of recent bomb attacks in London and other towns in Britain over the last few days, has called for a Christmas cease-fire beginning on Sunday (22 December night).

Description

The Irish Republican Army (IRA), which is thought responsible for a number of recent bomb attacks in London and other towns in Britain over the last few days, has called for a Christmas cease-fire beginning on Sunday (22 December night).

In the Northern Ireland province's capital -- Belfast -- on Sunday evening, a multi-denominational Christmas service was held. The congregation prayed for peace. Earlier in the day a border post was attacked and there were other incidents involving machine-gunnings and mortar attacks int he province.

A few hours after the Belfast service had ended, the Belgravia home of opposition leader Edward Heath was attacked in London. A bomb was thrown into the first-floor of hid home just behind Buckingham Palace. But Mr. Heath was not there, and no one was hurt.

SYNOPSIS: But, hours after the service in Belfast, a bomb exploded in British opposition leader Edward Heath's home in central London, behind Buckingham Palace. No one was hurt, and Mr. Heath was away at the time. Police tried to detain four men, who escaped in a car. The explosion happened in the first-floor drawing room of the house.